New Mexico: Santa Ana

NEW MEXICO: SANTA ANA

The Santa Ana Pueblo (Tamaya Indian Reservation) began when the people migrated in approximately 1250 AD, settling along the Rio Grande River to farm in the middle of Indian trade routes. The Santa Ana are originally Keresan-speaking and were very early users of ditch irrigation.  

The old village has largely been abandoned, although some families use their homes in the old village as a second home. Many of the tribal members have been assimilated into other cultures over the years. 

Today:  

Encompassing approximately 79,000 acres of land, the Santa Ana Pueblo is home to over 1,100 residents with roughly 850 enrolled tribal members. The reservation is made up of three villages: Rebahene, Ranchitos and Chicale. 

Though nearby Albuquerque has diminished the economic role of the pueblo’s agriculture, cattle continues to be an industry for Santa Ana, as well as the sales of blue corn products, Native apparel and Native foods, and the distribution of Native plants. The pueblo also operates a casino, two golf courses, a resort and spa, and a soccer tournament complex. 

Linguistically linked to the four other Keresan-speaking pueblos, the Santa Ana have their own unique culture and traditions like their cycle of life being tied to solar movements and their agricultural and hunting seasons. Santa Ana’s Day is an annual celebration with a corn dance, Mass and feast. 

Beyond education programs, social services, library resources and natural resource protection programs, the Tamaya Wellness Program supports health care for the community through operations and services like a wellness center, exercise classes, cooking classes and gardening. The median income is $54,545, but 16.6% of the people still live below poverty level.